Workers' Compensation Attorney Baltimore, MD
Work-related injuries can feel like a significant threat to your future. Beyond the physical pain and emotional distress, you may find yourself facing financial uncertainty as well. When an on-the-job accident happens, you need strong legal representation to ensure you receive the full workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to — and deserve.
At Greenberg Law Offices, our team of Baltimore workers’ compensation lawyers has over six decades of experience helping injured workers. Founded in 1966, our firm spans three generations of dedicated attorneys who understand the nuances of Maryland’s workers’ compensation law.
We know that dealing with insurance companies and getting to grips with the workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover. That’s why we handle every aspect of your case with the same care and attention we would give to our own family members. Further, we know that workplace injuries make a life-altering impact on not just the victims but also their families, so we make sure to meet with and support them, too.
Let our family help yours through this challenging time. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your workplace injury and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Hire a Baltimore Workers’ Comp Attorney After a Job Injury
When you’ve suffered an on-the-job injury, having skilled legal representation can make all the difference. Here’s why hiring a Baltimore workers’ compensation attorney is crucial:
- Insurance Knowledge – Insurers are always looking for ways to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our attorneys can protect you from their tactics.
- Paperwork and Deadlines – Missing a filing deadline or incorrectly completing paperwork can jeopardize your workmens’ comp claim. We will complete and file all documents within the required timeframes.
- Maximum Compensation – Without legal representation, you might not receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. We will work tirelessly to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and any permanent disabilities.
- Appeal Assistance – If your claim is denied, we have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the workers’ compensation appeal process.
- Peace of Mind – Focusing on your recovery should be your priority. Let us handle everything while you concentrate on healing.
As skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators, Greenberg Law Offices approaches every workers’ compensation case with a willingness to go to trial if necessary. We are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to maximize your recovery and stand up against powerful insurance companies and their attorneys. Further, we charge nothing unless we win money for your workers’ comp case.
Reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation and case review.
What Does Maryland Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ comp in Maryland provides several types of benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, including the following:
Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your workplace injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment.
Compensation for lost wages while you’re unable to work during recovery (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state maximums).
Benefits for permanent impairments that don’t completely prevent you from working but limit your earning capacity.
Long-term benefits for injuries so severe they prevent you from returning to any type of employment.
Services to help you return to suitable employment if you can’t go back to your previous job.
Financial support for dependents of workers who die from work-related injuries or illnesses, including funeral and burial expenses.
At Greenberg Law Offices, we fight to secure every benefit our clients deserve under Maryland law. Our thorough understanding of workers’ compensation regulations allows us to identify and secure benefits you might otherwise miss. When you meet with us, we can review your situation to determine the benefits you could be owed.
Which Types of Workers Are and Aren’t Covered?
Understanding your eligibility is crucial when you apply for workers’ compensation. That’s because while workers’ comp covers most employees in Maryland, important exceptions exist.
Workers who are typically covered include the following:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Seasonal workers
- Minors
- Undocumented workers
- Most government employees
Workers who may not be covered include the following:
- Independent contractors, who work for themselves rather than as employees (though misclassification is common)
- Agricultural workers with fewer than three employees
- Casual employees, such as those hired to work occasionally or irregularly
- Domestic workers in private homes working fewer than 20 hours per week
- Some real estate agents and brokers
- Volunteer workers (in some cases)
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Baltimore is essential. At Greenberg Law Offices, we can help determine if you qualify for benefits in Maryland and explore alternative compensation options if you don’t.
What Are Common Types and Causes of Workplace Injuries in Maryland?
While some workplace injuries are minor, others are catastrophic. Common types include the following:
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, which may lead to partial or complete paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns
- Respiratory conditions
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hearing loss
- Psychological injuries, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
Common causes of workplace injuries include the following:
- Falls from heights
- Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
- Overexertion from lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects
- Being struck by objects
- Equipment malfunctions
- Vehicle accidents
- Exposure to hazardous substances, including chemicals, asbestos, or silica dust
- Fires and explosions
- Workplace violence, such as physical assaults or threats from co-workers or customers
If you’ve suffered an injury on the job in any of these ways, Greenberg Law Offices can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review.
What Kinds of Workers Are Frequently Injured on the Job?
While workplace injuries can happen in any industry, certain occupations in Maryland carry higher risks. These include the following:
- Construction Workers – Exposed to falls, equipment accidents, and structural collapses
- Healthcare Workers – At risk for back injuries, needle sticks, and infectious diseases
- Manufacturing Employees – Facing machinery hazards and repetitive motion injuries
- Warehouse Workers – Subject to lifting injuries and forklift accidents
- Transportation Professionals – Including truck drivers and delivery personnel
- First Responders – Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics
- Office Workers – Susceptible to ergonomic injuries and falls
- Retail Employees – At risk for slips and falls, lifting injuries, and workplace violence
At Greenberg Law Offices, we represent workers from all industries. Our experience spanning three generations gives us unique insight into the specific challenges faced by workers in diverse occupations.
What’s the Difference Between a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Third-Party Claim?
Understanding the distinction between a workers’ comp claim and a third-party claim is crucial for maximizing your compensation.
A workers’ compensation claim is filed against your employer’s insurance company and provides benefits regardless of who was at fault for your injury. However, these benefits are limited and don’t include compensation for pain and suffering.
A third-party claim is a personal injury workers’ compensation lawsuit filed against someone other than your employer who contributed to your injury. This could be an equipment manufacturer, property owner, or contractor. Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party claims require you to prove that someone’s negligence or wrongdoing led to your injury. However, a successful third-party claim can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other compensation not covered by workmens’ comp.
Can I File a Third-Party Claim While Receiving Workers’ Compensation?
You can pursue both a third-party claim and a workers’ comp claim simultaneously. In fact, doing so often maximizes your overall compensation. However, filing both claims requires legal assistance to avoid complications, conflicts, and red tape.
If you receive a settlement from a third party, you may need to reimburse your employer’s insurance company for benefits they’ve already paid. This complex process, known as subrogation, may require careful negotiation to help you retain as much compensation as possible.
At Greenberg Law Offices, we handle both third-party and workmens’ comp claims and coordinate them strategically to maximize your total recovery. With us on your side, you won’t have to sacrifice one form of compensation for another.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Work Injury?
In most cases, the workers’ compensation system prevents employees from suing their employers directly for workplace injuries. This “exclusive remedy” provision is the trade-off for receiving workers’ compensation benefits without having to prove fault.
However, limited exceptions exist, including the following:
- When an employer intentionally causes harm
- When an employer fails to carry the required workers’ compensation insurance
- When injuries occur due to an employer’s dual role, such as being both an employer and a product manufacturer
Our attorneys can evaluate your case to determine if any exceptions apply and help you explore all available legal options in Baltimore and throughout Maryland.
What Are Common Third-Party Work Injury Cases?
Third-party liability claims often arise in scenarios such as the following:
- Construction site accidents involving multiple contractors
- Injuries caused by defective equipment or machinery
- Car accidents while driving for work purposes
- Injuries on property owned by someone other than your employer
- Accidents caused by negligent contractors or vendors at your workplace
- Toxic exposure cases involving product manufacturers
These cases typically require thorough investigation and expert testimony to establish liability. Greenberg Law Offices has the resources and experience to build compelling third-party claims that result in substantial settlements.
